Three Key Stats: TreVeyon Henderson's Big Day, an Off Game from Chris Olave and Improvement from Ohio State’s Run Defense

A game much closer than the score might suggest.

Ohio State went into Saturday's 41-20 win over Tulsa with a lot of questions, and it left with a few answered but with more unanswered. It was a close game until late in the fourth quarter, regardless of what the final score might show.

In today's Three Key Stats, we look at a record-setting performance from TreVeyon Henderson, a surprising catchless game from Chris Olave and a reversal from last week with the rushing defense.

282 all-purpose yards

TreVeyon Henderson, the true freshman from Virginia, posted 282 all-purpose yards against Tulsa. This is a record for a freshman and good for the most eighth all-time in Ohio State history.

Henderson became the first option quickly in this game, as C.J. Stroud and the receivers seemed a bit off. He broke off two long touchdowns against Tulsa, one from 52 yards and the other from 48.

It was a breakout game for Henderson, and he should be RB1 going forward. He brings dynamic play out of the backfield with the ability to catch, too, and he had a great deal of say in Saturday's outcome.

0 catches

This might be the most surprising stat any of us have seen in a while. Chris Olave did not record a catch on Saturday, marking the first time since the 2019 Michigan State game that he has not recorded a reception in a game in which he played.

With only 25 passing attempts, the offense relied heavily on the run game. Nevertheless, the thought of Olave without a catch is surprising. He did have a 47-yard catch that was called back due to a facemask penalty against Paris Johnson Jr., but had a key drop before halftime.

There is no reason to panic or be concerned about Olave going forward, but this is something that many would have never expected this season.

2.3 yards per Carry

Ohio State held Tulsa to 2.3 yards per rush, which is a massive improvement from last week's 7.1 yards per carry by Oregon. That speaks in part to the quality of Tulsa compared to Oregon, but it is one glimmer of hope for the defense.

While Saturday’s defensive performance was shaky in the passing game, as the Buckeyes allowed 428 yards through the air, Ohio State’s run defense stepped up even without starting defensive end Zach Harrison.